Pattern of alcohol consumption in underage population in an Indian city

Background: There is a concerning increase in the social acceptance of alcohol even for frequent self-induced intoxication and easier access is now responsible for driving adolescents toward substance use and a trend is being noted toward lower ages of onset of alcohol use. Material and methods: Total sample consisted of 680 participants from six randomly selected schools in an urban set-up i.e. Guwahati, the capital of Assam, India. The study was of cross-sectional exploratory research design with the use of questionnaire. Results: One hundred and fifty one (22.2%) subjects out of total 680 have ever had alcoholic beverages like beer, wine or liquor. Seven per cent of alcohol users had been absent from school, five per cent had done poorly in school, four per cent had family problems and three per cent had been arrested because they used alcohol; three per cent had driven under the influence of alcohol and 13% had been passengers in a vehicle in which the driver was under the influence of alcohol; two per cent had been drunk and 29% had been drunk at a party. 80.1% of alcohol users had not been ever asked about their age while obtaining alcohol. 21.2% had successfully faked their age to obtain alcohol. 13.2% had ever obtained alcohol by misrepresenting their age. Bar/restaurant (52.98%) was the primary source from where people under the age of 18 obtain alcohol, followed by friend/relatives (32.45%), liquor store (24.50%), parents’ cabinet (5.30%) and other (1.32%). Conclusion: Policy makers need to be aware of the issues related to not only adult drinking but also to underage drinking.